Whether you are managing a subdivision, a new residential estate, a commercial site, or a public infrastructure project, councils have strict engineering requirements that must be met for Development Applications (DA) and Construction Certificates (CC). Failure to meet these standards often leads to costly delays, redesigns, and resubmissions.

At Altoor Consulting, we specialise in helping clients navigate complex council engineering requirements and deliver compliant, buildable designs the first time. Here are the top 5 council requirements every project team must address early.

1. Drainage and Stormwater Compliance

Stormwater drainage design is one of the most scrutinised components of any engineering submission. Councils require:

• Detailed stormwater management plans (SMPs)
• On-site detention (OSD) designs sized correctly for the catchment
• Compliance with local WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design) policies
• Flood risk assessments for overland flow paths

Incorrect or incomplete drainage designs are one of the most common reasons DAs are delayed. At Altoor, we prepare drainage strategies aligned with council standards such as DRAINS, MUSIC, and HEC-RAS modelling.

2. Traffic Impact and Access Design

Safe, efficient traffic access is critical to council approvals. You will often be asked to submit:

• Traffic Impact Assessments (TIAs)
• Driveway design and swept path analyses
• Parking layouts and demand studies
• Pedestrian and cyclist access considerations

Using tools like SIDRA modelling, we demonstrate that developments can manage expected traffic volumes without adverse impacts on local road networks.

3. Site Grading, Earthworks, and On-Site Detention

Councils expect precise earthworks and grading plans that show:

• Finished surface levels
• Integration with drainage and stormwater infrastructure
• Clear demonstration of cut/fill operations
• Compliance with site discharge controls

Errors in earthworks planning can create flooding risks or breach council stormwater discharge limits. Our coordinated grading and drainage design approach helps reduce rework and approval risk.

4. Utility Coordination and Service Availability

Authorities and councils require early evidence that your development can be serviced by:

• Water, sewer, stormwater drainage
• Electricity, gas, NBN, and telecoms

Failure to coordinate utilities early can cause costly redesigns during construction.

We liaise directly with Sydney Water, Ausgrid, Jemena, and other providers to prepare compliant authority applications and servicing strategies.

5. Construction Staging and Environmental Controls

Especially for larger projects, councils require:

• Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs)
• Construction staging plans showing access, services, and safety management
• Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) during construction

At Altoor, we integrate these documents early to ensure development conditions are addressed properly and approvals progress without surprises.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Delays

• Incomplete documentation: Missing key elements like flood modelling or swept paths leads to immediate rejections.
• Non-compliance with local guidelines: Every council has specific development controls — a generic approach will not succeed.
• Poor coordination between disciplines: Civil, drainage, traffic, and utility designs must work together seamlessly.

Our structured design and documentation approach at Altoor helps clients avoid these pitfalls, saving significant time and cost.

How Altoor Consulting Supports Faster Engineering Approvals

At Altoor Consulting, we combine technical precision with deep understanding of council and authority requirements across NSW and Victoria.

We work proactively with planners, surveyors, and architects to ensure your engineering designs:

• Meet regulatory requirements the first time
• Address development conditions early
• Minimise rework and approval delays

Need help securing your next project approval?

Talk to our team about preparing council-ready engineering designs that streamline your DA and CC process.